potable

1 of 2

adjective

po·​ta·​ble ˈpō-tə-bəl 

military often ˈpä-

: suitable for drinking

potable water

potability

ˌpō-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

potableness

ˈpō-tə-bəl-nəs 

military often ˈpä-

noun

potable

2 of 2

noun

: a liquid that is suitable for drinking

especially : an alcoholic beverage

Synonyms of potable

Adjective

• drinkable
• clean
• fresh

Noun

• drink
• liquor
• alcohol
• booze
• spirits
• rum
• bottle

Examples of potable in a Sentence

Adjective

around here, the only potable water comes from wells

Noun

hid the potables in the back hall closet

keeps the wet bar stocked with an array of top-shelf liquors, mixers, and other fine potables

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In Boise and other parts of the Treasure Valley, some residents irrigate lawns with potable water supplied through public water systems. — Idaho Statesman, 23 Aug. 2026

The inspections cover a variety of onboard operations and facilities, from the galleys to potable water systems to pest management procedures. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Noun

Undeniably, Disney Springs boasts more than a few of them, and this year, three such venues — The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s — are teaming up to serve three equally potent potables in support of the cause. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2026

Its high-end potables have since won awards in beer strongholds Germany and Belgium, and the powerhouse Carlsberg Group recently bought a minority stake. — Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin potabilis, from Latin potare to drink; akin to Latin bibere to drink, Greek pinein

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potable

• notable
• quotable

Kids Definition

potable

adjective

po·​ta·​ble

ˈpōt-ə-bəl

: suitable for drinking

potability

ˌpōt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

Medical Definition

potable

1 of 2 adjective

po·​ta·​ble ˈpōt-ə-bəl 

: suitable for drinking

potable water

potable

2 of 2 noun

: a liquid that is suitable for drinking

especially : an alcoholic beverage